How to Keep Your Cats Off Furniture

Cats are smart, bottom line. The thing that makes them different than smart dogs is their ability to love you and at the same time not listen to a word you say. So whereas dogs can learn commands, most cats need a little extra training. If you are finding cat hair on your table, counters, desk and ironing board, read on.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Double Stick Tape
• Water Spray Bottle
• Cat Beds/Towers
• Window Perch
• Patience

1. Watch your cat. Take note of the rooms they like to be in and where. On the kitchen table? On the ironing board? On the back of the couch? Do you ever notice they like to lay in the windowsill? The one quality all these places have in common is height. Cats love to be up off the ground for safety and to have an eye on everything even with both eyes shut.

2. 
    

   One of the most effective ways to keep your cats from laying on places you don't want is to put double stick tape on it. It may be annoying for you to have tape on your tabletop or counters for a 2-4 weeks but in the long run it is worth it. Get the wide tape for larger spaces. So tape away! This worked for us and our kitchen table. After you remove the tape have the water spray bottle handy to give them a quick spray if they try to go back to their old habits. See next step for further prevention.

3. 
    

   While the tape is keeping the cats off your furniture now is the time to find a way to let them be in the rooms they want with a view. Most pet stores sell window perches that come out 1&1/2 feet or so from the bottom of the window and allow the cat to see outdoors and rest. Any type of cat tower with places to lay and scratch their nails work well too. Also cat beds are useful in the bedroom if you want them with you but not on your bed. Get the cats use to these new places/toys while they are being weaned off the furniture.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't yell or talk sternly to your cat. They don't learn from that and only become afraid of you.
• If you spray them with the water bottle, do it quick and if possible so they don't know it is coming from you.
• You can get a cat perch for under $30 at Petco or if your crafty make your own.

[goldiec]

on 10/27/2009 Thanks for the great tips on How to Keep your cats off funiture! 5*

[goldiec]

on 10/27/2009 Thanks for the great tips on How to Keep your cats off funiture! 5*

[jcoolcash11]

on 10/27/2009 Great use for double stick tape!

[myra63]

on 10/25/2009 May May just likes ths drapes she hangs from them and attacks them haha. 5*

[jeni10]

on 10/4/2009 Well written and informative article on how to keep your cats off furniture. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. 5*